What jobs did chester arthur have before he became president?

Arthur taught school and was a principal for two years until he passed the bar exam. He joined a law firm in New York City and worked as lawyer for 17 years,getting active in city politics. In 1871 he was appointed (duty) Collector of the Port of New York and held the post until 1878, when President Hayes revamped the collections department and forced Arthur out. He then started his own law firm.